What is the reason for the difference in fatwas regarding the ruling on shaving the beard among different countries, and which is the sounder ruling?

Scholars have agreed on the prohibition of shaving the beard, based on the authentic hadiths that indicate it. The fatwa on this issue may differ for reasons including the mufti’s consideration of the questioner’s situation and circumstances, or his reliance on a weaker opinion that suggests disliking (karaha), or his error in understanding the words of some imams, or his following an unsatisfactory methodology in dealing with the commands and prohibitions of the Sunnah. The correct view is that an absolute command signifies obligation (wujub), and an absolute prohibition necessitates prohibition (tahrim), unless there is a diverting factor.